Sir: The growing trend of having a negative attitude, particularly in the educated youth, towards human rights, makes us wonder about the role of education in shaping attitudes towards human rights in Pakistan. Education is considered to be the primary weapon in bringing about changes to society but the current education system in Pakistan is not addressing the societal needs of the youth. This is indeed a matter of great concern that none of the universities in Pakistan are offering compulsory or elective courses on human rights. The outdated curriculum and lack of inclusion of global content have failed to produce global-minded individuals. Teachers at the higher education level are ignorant of their duties in facilitating our youth to gain knowledge about human rights. The involvement of the youth in violent activities, their frustration, political rivalries, gender discrimination and taking least interest in bringing change to society calls for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to spend its funds in constructing a positive attitude in the youth through the inclusion of a global curriculum. If this matter remains unaddressed, the humanitarian sensitivity of the youth will collapse in the coming years.
MUNIR MOOSA SEWANI
Karachi